Paige West speaks with Enda Nicholl, Strategic Marketing Manager for Magnetic Sensors, Analog Devices about the release of the ADMT4000.
In October 2024, Analog Devices (ADI) introduced the ADMT4000, the world’s first single-chip multi-turn position sensor capable of operating without power or contact. This breakthrough innovation, which earned ADI the Electronics Excellence Award at electronica, is reshaping position sensing across multiple industries.
Nicholl highlighted the ADMT4000’s unique capabilities: “Before this product, angle sensors were limited to a single-turn absolute measurement range, meaning they could measure 360 degrees but not multiple rotations. The ADMT4000 changes that by enabling up to 46 turns of absolute position measurement without requiring power or contact. It’s a game-changer in the field of magnetic sensors.”
Traditional multi-turn position sensing solutions often rely on mechanical gears or backup battery-powered memory systems to track multiple rotations. These methods introduce challenges such as increased size, weight, mechanical wear, and maintenance requirements.
The ADMT4000 addresses these challenges by eliminating the need for gears or batteries. It integrates a true power-off (TPO) multi-turn position sensor, significantly simplifying system design.
Since its launch, the ADMT4000 has gained traction in various sectors, particularly in industrial automation. “It’s being used in CNC machines, robotic joints, cobots, and even emerging humanoid robotics,” Nicholl said. Heavy industry applications, including cranes and hoists, also benefit from its robust performance. The medical sector is another key market, where the sensor is integrated into surgical robots and XY tables.
Automotive applications include seatbelt position sensing for occupant classification and electronic power steering (EPS), where the ADMT4000 ensures accurate angle monitoring even when power is removed.
One of ADI’s priorities was making the ADMT4000 easy to integrate, even for engineers without extensive experience in magnetic sensor design. “Mechanically, it’s simple – you place a dipole magnet on the shaft and mount the sensor on a PCB about one to two millimetres away. It’s contactless and powerless, making it incredibly efficient,” Nicholl explained.
To support designers, ADI has developed extensive materials, including calibration techniques, data sheets, and user guides. Additionally, ADI is introducing a reference magnet to simplify deployment further. “We’ve designed a plug-and-play magnet that ensures optimal performance, particularly in harsh environments. This will be available soon through our usual distribution channels,” Nicholl said.
ADI is already planning enhancements to the ADMT4000, including expanding its measurement range. “We have a roadmap to increase turn counts, eventually achieving infinite turns,” Nicholl revealed. Furthermore, an automotive-grade version with additional diagnostics to support functional safety requirements is expected later this year.
To hear more about the ADMT4000, you can listen to Electronic Specifier’s interview on Spotify or Apple podcasts.
